North Lauderdale vs Orlando: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between North Lauderdale, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | North Lauderdale, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,884▲ | $48,844 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.87▲ | $23.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,236▲ | $36,053 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,663▲ | $44,884 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,023▲ | $60,435 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,164▲ | $72,286 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 3,620▲ |
Verdict
North Lauderdale, FL offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between North Lauderdale and Orlando is $7,040 (14.41%). North Lauderdale's median is -13.14% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in North Lauderdale spans $47,928,Orlando spans $36,233. North Lauderdale has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, North Lauderdale ($55,440 effective) pays 15.11% more than Orlando ($48,161 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose North Lauderdale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,884/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,164)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,440)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,620 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in North Lauderdale grew -6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.7% growth in Orlando over the same period.
North Lauderdale, FL
$58,673 (2024) → $54,761 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$47,070 (2019) → $47,863 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
North Lauderdale, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: North Lauderdale or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between North Lauderdale and Orlando?
Should I relocate from North Lauderdale to Orlando as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in North Lauderdale vs Orlando?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov